“But standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son!’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!’ And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.” – John 19:25-27
As we continue to stand at the foot of the cross and listen for the voice of Jesus, we need to be reminded who was there. We have already mentioned that the crucifixion was near a crowded thoroughfare so there were many who saw this execution. Most were strangers that were on their way into the city for the Passover feast. The majority probably hurried by while cursing the Romans for such a horrific display of cruelty. Others recognized Jesus and took the opportunity to join the public mocking of another “would be” Messiah.
There were also those who gathered to watch the gruesome event. The Scripture says that among these spectators there were Chief Priests and Elders who had assisted in the arrest and trial of this “trouble maker”. Then there was a small detachment of Roman soldiers who had the duty of carrying out the death sentence and keeping watch over the dying prisoners.
It seemed that Jesus was mostly surrounded by strangers or enemies. Even the other men being crucified seemed hostile toward our suffering Savior. However, today’s Scripture tells us that there was a small group of friends and relatives that had gathered a short distance from the cross. This small group numbered about half a dozen and was made up of a few of the women and a disciple that had been part of Jesus’ group of friends. Several of the women are named and one is Mary His mother. The disciple Jesus loved or “beloved disciple”, which was a reference to the author of this Gospel, John. These are the ones watching closely and wondering…hoping…What would happen? Would Jesus do some amazing miracle like they had seen Him do before? Will there be some sign? “Hold on…shhhh…I think He’s trying to say something…listen!”
The first thing they hear is an intercessory prayer, “Father, forgive them”, but then they realize that He is looking in their direction. “Look, I think He sees us”, says one of them, “Yes, He is looking right at us!” Mary looks up and her eyes connect with the eyes of her oldest son. Suddenly the noise of the crowd fades and Jesus speaks to His mother,
“Woman, behold, your son!”
As Jesus says these words His eyes turn slightly to John who is standing next to Mary. John has been her son’s best friend and like a son to her. He is the only disciple that is there and Jesus speaks again, but to him,
“Behold, your mother!”
Amidst His suffering He is looking around at those who are there. There are several things that this word from Jesus reveals to us about God which we will look at over the next few days, but the first thing to notice is that Jesus is looking at people. We have a God who is watching…looking…waiting to catch our eye. Today I want you to know that Jesus is looking right at you. See the love in His eyes? Oh…wait…shhh…He has something to say.